Hover over or click on the images below to read the responses from four Junior Technicians (JTs) who in the fall of 2023 took part in the Manang One Health – One Welfare workshops and clinics led by a team of 11 wildlife professionals, veterinarians, and conservationists. This collaborative project united the efforts of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, International Veterinary Outreach, and our Nepali partners, Mountain Spirit and Animal Nepal. Learn about the knowledge these paraveterinarians gained through participation in the program and hear how the experience provided them with new skills and resources to better serve the people and animals of the Manang Valley, which, in turn, supports the conservation of snow leopards.

What inspired you to join this program and work towards protecting the endangered snow leopard and improving local livestock practices?

The beauty of our country is derived from its wildlife and domesticated animals, with the snow leopard being one of the endangered species. As a vet technician, my responsibility is to care for both wild and domestic animals without causing harm to other creatures, a duty I have been fulfilling to date. I am actively involved in the One Health – One Welfare program to deepen my understanding of this role and contribute to the ongoing efforts.

Sunita M.

What is the most important thing that you learned?

I learned about the importance of snow leopards and their facilitation in ecosystems. Understanding how crucial snow leopards are led me to explore strategies for preserving livestock from these magnificent creatures. In doing so, I discovered the significance of constructing specific shelters designed to protect livestock from potential snow leopard encounters.

Saraswati G.

In what ways has this program enriched your knowledge, skills, and personal growth?

The One Health – One Welfare program helped me enrich my knowledge, skills, and personal growth. When we utilize the techniques that we learned it will be very effective for livestock improvement. Proper public awareness about the benefits of wild animals and livestock in the community can be helpful for human health, environmental health, and animal health.

Rajiv D.

What is the most important thing that you learned?

I learned about the importance of snow leopards in mountain areas and ways to protect them. I also gained knowledge on safeguarding our domesticated animals by constructing improved shelters. Additionally, from this program, I have learned about diseases and their treatments, along with the proper handling of animals.

Dhankrishna S.

Click Here to read about the One Health – One Welfare workshops and clinics held in Manang, Nepal, last fall, a collaborative endeavor uniting the efforts of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, International Veterinary Outreach, and our Nepali partners, Mountain Spirit and Animal Nepal.